Our Technology

Public Health Ontario Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) Approved Orthodontic Sterilization Techniques

At Wilk & Wilk Cambridge, we have created a cleaning/disinfection and sterilization process and an instrument management system that strictly adheres to the sterilization/instrument handling guidelines established by Public Health Ontario. These guidelines are designed to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings. We have implemented layers of strict infection control procedures for the safety of our patient families and have designated sterilization rooms that are central processing areas for all orthodontic instruments. The rooms are separate from the orthodontic clinics where the delivery of orthodontic care is provided and are divided spatially into distinct areas for receiving, cleaning, decontamination, preparation, sterilization, and temporary storage of instruments. All sterilized instruments are in wrapped instrument cassettes and are handled aseptically during their removal from the sterilizer and during their transport to the point of use.

We use only FDA-cleared medical devices for sterilization. Our sterilization areas have ultrasonic cleaners, Hydrim G4 instrument washers with integrated data loggers, and Midmark M9 autoclaves for the sterilization of dental handpieces. We strictly follow the manufacturers’ recommended sterilization times, temperatures, and operating parameters to ensure proper sterilization protocols are being followed.

Furthermore, we biologically monitor our sterilization process daily through biological steam indicators. Biological monitoring is regarded as the most valid method for monitoring the sterilization process because it uses live, highly resistant bacterial spores as the test medium.

We have also implemented a cleaning and disinfection process for all clinical contact surfaces and strictly maintain proper hand hygiene prior to patient contact through antimicrobial hand soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub. The integrity of our sterilization system is maintained by a dedicated group of clinical staff members, each of whom has successfully completed the Public Health Ontario Reprocessing in Community Health Care Settings course.

Digital Dental X-rays

Orthodontic X-rays are an important part of a thorough orthodontic exam and orthodontic treatment process because they help us diagnose problems that would be routinely missed without them. At Wilk & Wilk, we use digital X-rays, which will reduce radiation exposure by as much as 80-90 percent.

Computer Technology

Computers are everywhere at Wilk & Wilk and provide amazing amounts of information at our fingertips. They aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. They create efficiency. They keep our patients informed. They improve the tempo in our office. They keep us on time. Our core orthodontic practice management software has an integrated computerized patient flow system, chairside charting module, and computerized patient sign-in.

Invisalign® System

The Invisalign® System uses advanced 3-D computer software technology and aligner therapy to provide an esthetic alternative to traditional braces. Wilk & Wilk is a very experienced Diamond+ (Top 1%) Invisalign provider.

Propel® Technology

Propel is a hands-free device that uses high frequency vibration, with a cycle of only 5 minutes, to accelerate the rate of bone remodeling, which is critical for orthodontic tooth movement. The net effect: faster tooth movement, better patient comfort and shorter treatment times.

CBCT Scans

These scans are taken outside of our office at our request and are one of the greatest advancements in digital imaging in the past ten years. They provide undistorted high-resolution 3D images by combining a cone-shaped X-ray beam and digital processing. The detail provided far surpasses that of conventional 2D X-rays and allows us to more accurately assess risk and to add an extra dimension to our diagnostic abilities in complicated orthodontic cases.

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are one of the most important clinical advances in orthodontics. They are titanium mini-screws that are comfortably placed in the jawbone by Dr. Wilk. The procedure is quick and comfortable, and the screws provide unparalleled support for orthodontic tooth movements that were not possible before these screws became FDA approved in Canada. The placement and location of the screws are customized for each patient and they are removed after use. We commonly use TADs at Wilk & Wilk to provide a non-surgical treatment option to patients who would otherwise require surgical correction.

iTero® Element and 3Shape TRIOS Digital Scanners

The iTero and TRIOS are digital intraoral 3D scanners that introduce a new era of digital imagery into Wilk & Wilk. They use lasers to generate highly accurate real-time 3D scans of the teeth and supporting tissues. The scans are safe and do not expose patients to any radiation whatsoever. We also find that it also results in a better experience for our orthodontic patients because it eliminates the need for messy, goopy impressions, which can heighten the anxiety for patients with sensitive gag reflexes. This technology directly benefits our Invisalign® patients because it improves the fit and expedites the delivery of the Invisalign aligners.